Stark contrast seen early in Republican challengers campaign finance reports

CANTON - The two Republican challengers gunning for the New York 21st Congressional District seat of Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, in next years election have released their third-quarter finance figures ahead of todays deadline for filing with the Federal Election Commission, revealing a stark contrast early in the campaign.

Elise M. Stefanik, Willsboro, announced Monday that she has raised more than $180,000 in the few short weeks since she entered the race, including $165,000 in cash.

The 29-year-old Ms. Stefanik, who worked on domestic and economic policy in the George W. Bush White House before returning home to Willsboro to work at her familys plywood distribution business, said in a news release that a substantial portion of the money  $70,000  was raised online with the help of social media.

According to the release, Ms. Stefanik received small dollar donations from residents in every county of the district.

As I continue to crisscross the district and listen, Upstaters tell me they want a new representative in Congress that will vote to create jobs and curb our debt, and not be a part of the tired old political blame game, Ms. Stefanik said in the release.

Joseph M. Gilbert, the former St. Lawrence County Emergency Services director, said that he has raised just $3,000 since announcing in early August his intention to run for the seat.

Undaunted by the big numbers put up by Ms. Stefanik, Mr. Gilbert said he wont really ramp up his campaign until after this years Nov. 5 election.